Effect of FM systems on language development of listeners with cochlear implant

Today, cochlear implantation is accepted as the most effective method for language development of children with bilateral profound hearing loss. FM systems are assistive devices which improve speech intelligibility by increasing signal to noise ratio of cochlear implants or hearing aids especially in noisy environment. In this research it was aimed to investigate the effects of FM system on language development and daily life of children fitted with cochlear implants. Twenty four children fitted with unilateral cochlear implant in the age range of 4 to 8 years old and continuing nursery or primary school were selected as the sample of the research. Samples were divided into two groups in order to compose research and control groups each consisted of 12 subjects. The subjects in research group used FM system regularly whilst the control subjects didn?t use any assistive device. In order to evaluate the language development of subjects, PLS-4 and TİFALDİ tests were administered before the research and with 3 months of intervals. Assessment of FM System Survey was administered to the family of subjects of the research group. Statistical analysis of the language development at 3., 6. and 9.months of the study. According to the analysis, there was a significant increment (p<0.05) in the TİFALDİ receptive language test scores of the research group as compared with the control group scores. Whereas there was no significant differences between two groups with the other scores of TİFALDİ or PLS-4 tests. According to the Assessment of FM System Survey, the children have benefited FM system mostly at school and outside environments.